China has done a lot to support Cambodia over the years with millions of dollars in aid, loans and investment. But after reports this week that China has pledged another $500 million in soft loans and grants—and publicly thanked Cambodia for its support in Southeast Asia—Cambodian officials want to be sure no one suspects the little country is falling too much under China’s sway.

Cheam Yeap, chairman of the Commission on Economy, Finance, Banking and Audit at the Cambodian National Assembly, said China’s loans have nothing to do with Cambodia’s recent support for China in disputes involving the South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by China and several Southeast Asian states. That backing includes a now-famous episode in July when members of the Association of Southeast Asian nations failed to reach a consensus on how to resolve conflicts in the sea at their latest summit in Phnom Penh, failing even to issue their customary joint communiqué at the end.

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